High-Resolution MIMO Millimeter-Wave Radar Imaging Method for Non-Cooperative Targets.

Area of Science:

• Applied Physics
• Electromagnetics
• Radar Systems Engineering

Background:

• Millimeter-wave (MMW) technology provides high resolution and low radiation for security screening.
• Challenges include imaging non-cooperative moving targets and bulky, costly equipment.
• Existing methods struggle with dynamic targets and complex signal processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a high-resolution imaging method for security screening using MIMO MMW radar.
• To address challenges in imaging non-cooperative moving targets.
• To analyze the impact of array errors on imaging performance.

Main Methods:

• Established array and slant range models for a 2D range-height resolution scheme.
• Employed a one-dimensional MIMO linear array with wideband signals.
• Designed an algorithm flow including a range-domain super-resolution algorithm and back-projection principle.
• Compensated for phase coupling from transmit array and target motion.

Main Results:

• Successfully achieved 2D imaging of non-cooperative targets, revealing metal objects through cloth.
• Super-resolution processing enhanced contour sharpness for metal plates.
• Analysis indicated range array position errors significantly impact imaging results.

Conclusions:

• The proposed MIMO MMW radar imaging method effectively overcomes limitations of traditional systems.
• The technique demonstrates practical utility in security screening by imaging concealed objects.
• Understanding array error impacts is crucial for optimizing MMW radar system design.